Vacuum forming paper making machine



April 18, 1939. E. E. BERRY.

VACUUM FORMING PAPER MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. '9', 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet l W N lgfill/E17 DJ- r/ if Berg April 18, '1939.

E. E. BERRY VACUUM FORMING PAPER MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 9, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 JYVEH 0r Ear! 5 fiery April 18, 1939. E. E. BERRY VACUUM FORMING PAPER-MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 9, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 ll lll 'JYI/EIY 01- Ear/ EQBEW MM /5 April 18, 1939. E. E. BERRY' 2,154,719

' VACUUM FORMING PAPER MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. ea,v 19:55 a Sheets-Sheet 4 .110 16 11.9 I 111 l i l l L v/ Am i wan-r I Q I 21 18! l zao I I! I 129 I Il I Ill 18 I l "I." I! "P I .21 I I L l Zar/zf 19622;

April 18, 1939. BERRY 2,154,719

VACUUM FORMING PAPER MAKING MACHINE I ME I/IIIIIII g, gs

April 18, 1939. E. E. BERRY 2,154,719

VACUUM FORMING PAPER MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 9, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 18, 1939. E. E. BERRY VACUUM FORMING PAPER MAKING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 9, 1955 April 18, 1939. E. E. BERRY VACUUM FORMING PAPER MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 9, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 19.5 .196 z .201 jg z 5 a y %4 m5 8 m i w E i i 1 Ww M H. H-H| m. 2 6 E WM MMWF PATENT OFFICE VACUUM FORLIING PAPER. MAKING MACHINE Earl E. Berry, Beloit, Wis., assignor to Beloit Iron Works, Beloit, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application September 9, 1935, Serial No. 39,679

7 Claims.

This invention relates to a machine for making paper under the influence of suction. More specifically, this invention relates to a vacuum forming wet end for paper machines and includes a process for forming paper.

It has heretofore been proposed to form paper around suction rolls, evacuated cylinders and the like. These suction rolls and cylinders, however, have been rotated through, or partially through a pond of stock to suck the fibers therefrom onto the forming surfaces on or around the rolls. In other words, the rolls and cylinders have been moved relative to the pond of stock. As a result, the paper formed on these machines has the fibers thereof lying mostly in the direction of rotation of the cylinders. Furthermore, many of the fibers in the sheets so formed are up-ended, since they fiow head-on against the forming surface. As a result, the paper is weak longitudinally and tears readily along longitudinal lines. It also has a fuzzy surface due to the up-ended fibers therein.

To overcome these difiiculties, I have now provided a forming part or wet end for paper making machines in which the paper stock moves or travels with the forming surface so that little or no relative movement exists between the stock pond and the forming surface. Means are provided in the stock pond to prevent the fibers therein from assuming apositim eaiann with the direction of flow.

In the machine of this invention the fibers are sucked from the moving pond onto the moving forming surface and are maintained in whatever hodge=pndge ar aIngement they have assumed in the pond. heresulting sheet does not have a grain or directional formation and the fibers therein are not upturned. The sheet is strong in both directions and free from fuzzy surfaces.

The principles of this invention can be carried out on both cylinder type paper machines and machines having an elongated traveling forming wire.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a paper machine capable of producing paper free from fuzzy surfaces and from directional formation of fibers.

Another object of this invention is to provide a paper machine having a forming pond traveling with a suction forming surface.

Another object of this invention is to provide a vacuum forming paper machine for producing paper free from fuzziness and from grain formation of the fibers therein.

A further object of this invention is to provide a paper making machine with adjustable means for positively controlling the arrangement of fibers in the stock pond.

A further object of this invention is to provide 5 a process for making paper which is free from fuzzy surfaces and from grain formation of fibers.

Another object of this invention is to provide a process for making paper in which fibers from 10 a flowing pond of stock are deposited on a traveling forming surface moving with the flow of the stock pond.

Other and further objects of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed descrip- 15 tions of the annexed sheets of drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of this invention.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the wet 20 end of a paper machine according to this invention, in which an elongated endless forming wire is used as the forming surface.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. 25

Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, plan view of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view, taken substantially along the line IV-IV of Figure 2. 3

Figure 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line V--V of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the mechanism for adjusting the width of 35 the stock pond.

Figure 7 is an enlarged, vertical cross-sectional view of the suction roll and forming wire, illustrating in elevation the arrangement of fingers for preventing the fibers in the stock pond from 40 assuming a direction parallel to the flow of stock through the pond.

Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, with a part in elevation, taken substantially along the line VIIIVIII of Figure '7.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially alon the line IX-IX of Figure '7.

Figure 10 is an end elevational view taken substantially along the line XX of Figure '7.

Figure 11 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sec- 50 tional view taken substantially along the line X[XI of Figure 4, illustrating a stock overflow conduit for draining excess stock from the top of the stock pond.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line XIIX1I of Figure 11, showing the adjustable drain for the overflow conduit.

Figure 13 is an enlarged elevational view taken substantially along the line XIII-XIII of Figure 4, illustrating the arrangement of pegs for preventing a directional flow of fibers into the stock pond.

Figure 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the suction roll used in this invention, showing the top suction area for sucking the fibers in sheet form onto the forming surface.

Figure 15 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the suction roll showing the lower suction forming area for initially depositing fibers from the forming pond onto the forming surface.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line XVI-XVI of Figure 14, showing an end of the suction roll with means for sliding the suction seal to vary the suction area.

Figure 17 is an end elevational view taken substantially along the line XVII-XVII of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the manner in which the forming part or wet end of a paper machine according to this invention may be used on cylinder type paper machines wherein a pick-up felt receives the newly formed webs from the suction rolls.

Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of one of the forming parts shown in Figure 18, illustrating the adjustable features for varying the width of the forming pond.

Figure 20 is a fragmentary plan view taken substantially along the line XXXX of Figure 19.

As shown on the drawings:

In Figures 1 and 2, the reference numeral l indicates generally a suction roll, the construction of which will be more fully hereinafter described, having entrained therearound a waterpervious forming belt H, such as, for example, a Fourdrinier wire. As shown in Figure 1, the belt travels along its top run over guide rolls I2 and around a couch roll |3 in the direction indicated. The paper web W is removed from the belt H as it passes around the couch roll I3 and is received by a carrier band for passage through the rest of the machine not forming a part of this invention. The belt along its under run passes under a guide roll l4 and then around the suction roll Hi.

The suction roll I0 is rotatably mounted around a suction mandrel (hereinafter described) which mandrel is secured at its ends in a pair of end supports l5. An aqueous suspension of the paper stock is fed through feeder pipes into a feed box l8, from which it flows through a forming pond, indicated at P, having one side thereof bounded by the forming wire I! as it passes around the suction roll l0. Fibers are sucked onto the forming belt II by the suction roll l0 and the flow of stock through the pond P is regulated to have the same speed as the peripheral speed of the suction roll I0 so that little or no relative movement occurs between the pond P and the suction roll. Excess stock from the pond P flows from the top of the suction roll l0 into drain pipes I!) located on each side of the apparatus.

The suction roll I0 is provided with three separate suction areas in which the amount of vacuum is separately regulated through pipe lines 20, 2| and 22 located on each side of the suction roll. White water sucked into the suction roll is drained through large drain pipes 23 located on each end of the suction roll. The pipes 20, 2| and 22 have valves 24, 25 and 26 therein to control the amount of suction applied to each of the three suction areas of the suction roll ID. The pipes 20, 2| and 22 may be connected with a single vacuum pump or with separate vacuum pumps.

As best shown in Figure 4, stock entering into the feed box |8 from the feed pipes passes around horizontal baffles 21 and 28, over a vertical baffle 29 and under another vertical bafiie 3D. A perforated flow-evener roll 3| is provided in the path of the stock below the baffle 30 to insure a quiet flow of stock into the pond P.

A shower pipe I 6 directes a spray of water against the forming belt II as it enters into the pond P to wash the belt and to also prevent leakage of stock from the pond.

The feed box I8, as shown in Figure 4, is defined by a rear wall 32, side walls composed of the frame plates 33, and a rigid L-shaped member 38 having a vertical leg forming the baffle 30 and a horizontal leg carried on tracks secured to the frame plate 33. The L-shaped member 38 pivotally supports an arcuate shaped flexible metal plate 39 which is pivoted thereto as at 4|].

The horizontal leg of the L-shaped member 38 carries a support 36 in which is slidably mounted a bolt 35 engaging the rear Wall 32. A boss 34, threaded on the bolt 35, can be manually turned to effect relative movement between the L- shaped members 38 and the rear wall 32.

In this manner, the width or capacity of the feed-box l8, which receives stock from the pipe may be varied as desired, depending upon the consistency of the stock, the speed of operation of the machine and the like.

As the stock flows from the feed-box [8 into the pond P, it travels around a plurality of pegs 31, best shown in Figures 4 and 13. The pegs are arranged in staggered relation and aid in preventing the stock fibers from assuming a direction parallel to the flow of the stock.

The arcuate member 39 has bolted on the top end thereof a V-shaped plate 4| having one side thereof curved with the plate 39 and the other side thereof bent outward at the end to form a horizontal leg 42 and a vertical leg 43. The end of the V-shaped leg 4| is pivotally secured at points 44 to a plurality of vertical rods 45. The rods 45 are spaced along the entire length of the plate 4|, as indicated in Figures 3 and 5.

The rods 45 are slidable through supports 46 and 47 carried by a channel beam 48. The supports 41 are yoked as shown, and the ends of the rods 45 are slidable therethrough. Bosses 49 are threaded onto the ends of the rods 45 between the fingers of the supports 41. A rotation of the bosses 49 against the fingers oi the supports 41 therefore effects a vertical movement of the rods 45 to adjust the end of the plate 4|. Since the plate 4| may be flexible, a plurality of these rods are used to maintain a desired spacing of the end of the plate from the forming band The channel beam 48 is secured at the ends thereof to the vertical legs of angle members such as 50 by bolts extending through vertical slots 52 in the web of the channel beam and secured at their ends in the vertical leg of the angle member 50. Brackets 53 are secured to the ends of the channel beam 48 at the top thereof and the brackets 53 have rods 54 threaded therethrough and engaging at the ends thereof the top of the angle. member 50. Turning handles 55 are secured to the rods 54 to facilitate manual rotation of the rod. Bosses 552 are also threaded around the rods 54 to bear against the supports 53 and lock the rods against rotation.

This construction permits a vertical sliding of the channel beam 48 along the vertical legs of the angle members 50 to vary the space between the plate 4| and forming band without disturbing the adjustments of the rods 45 which holds the plate in parallel position to the frming band II. If desired, of course, the rods 45 may be adjusted so as to flex the plate to provide a wider space between the forming wire and the plate at the ends of the plate or at the center of the plate, as desired.

The horizontal legs of the angle members 50 are slidable in grooved tracks formed in the horizontal portions 56 of supporting arms 51 which are positioned outside of the frame plates 33 and are pivoted to these plates 33 at points in alignment with the pivot point 40 of the arcuate plate 39. The arms 51 carry bosses 58 through which bolts 59 are rotatably mounted. The ends of the bolts 59 are threaded into nuts 6|) carried by the angle members 50. A rotation of the bolts 59 therefore effects a horizontal sliding of the members 50 along the portions 56 of the arms 57.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, the side frame plates 33 of the structure have brackets 6| secured thereon in which are pivoted lever arms 62. The lever arms 62 in turn have pivoted thereon, at 63, links 64 which are adjustable in length and secured at their other ends to saddle members 65 pivoted to the arms 51 at 66.

A manual moving of the lever arms 62, shown in a solid line in Figure 6, to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 6, throws the arms 51 from the position shown in a solid line to the position shown in dotted lines, thereby moving the entire structure supported by the arms 51 away from the forming band II.

From the above description, it should be readily understood that the arcuate member 39 is pivoted about the points 40 and adjusted by means of the rods 54 and 45 into the desired position in spaced relation from the forming band The angle members 50 are likewise slidable horizontally and serve to space the member 4| in proper position from the forming band However, when it is desired to move the entire mechanism for cleaning the machine and for other purposes, a mere manual throwing of the levers 62, located on each side of the apparatus, moves the entire mechanism as a unit about pivot points without disturbing the adjustments made by the rods 45 and 54 and the bolts 59.

The arms 51 are locked in operative position by locking pins, such as 61 (Figure 4) each extending through an arm and a frame plate 33.

The arcuate plate 39, as shown in Figures 4, '7 and 8, has formed thereon a plurality of bosses 68 for receiving chucks 69 therethrough. The chucks 69 carry the shanks I0 of hoe-shaped fingers 1|. As shown in Figure 8, the shanks 10 are provided with an elongated slot 12 intermediate their ends for receiving therethrough a pin 13 to lock the fingers against rotation relative to the chucks 69. The ends of the shanks 1a are preferably threaded as at 14 to space the fingers H a proper distance from the plate 39. To obtain the correct spacing, the pin 13 is withdrawn and the fingers 1| are threaded a proper distance into the chucks 69.

Worm gears 15 are secured around the chucks 69 in abutting relation to the bosses 68 by means of set screws 16 (Figure 8). The set screws 16 extend through the chucks 69 and may be clamped against the threaded end 14 of the shanks 10 to further hold the shank.

As shown in Figures '7 and 8, the ends of the chucks 69 are closed and provided with a square or polygonal head portion 11 for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The arcuate plate 39 also carries near each end thereof, at right angles thereto, a supporting plate 18, which plates 18 have rotatably mounted therein a plurality of worm shafts 19 for engaging the worm gears 15. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, each of the worm shafts 19 engages with a plurality of worm gears 15 on each side thereof. Thus, one worm shaft 19 serves to engage two adjacent rows of worm gears 15. As shown in Figure 9, at least one end of each worm shaft 19 is provided with a square or polygonal well 80 adapted to register with slots 8| formed in the side plate 33 of the frame structure. A wrench can thus be inserted through the slots 8| of the side plate 33 to rotate the worm shafts l9 and thereby adjust the fingers into a desired position.

As shown in Figure 10, a rotation of a worm shaft 19 will position one row of fingers H in one direction, while the adjacent row of fingers will be moved in the opposite direction. The fingers H, as shown in Figure 10, are streamlined and serve to deflect the flow of fibers through the pond P to prevent a parallel arrangement of fibers in the pond. Each finger creates an eddy current in the flow of the stock and aids to maintain the fibers in a hodge-podge condition,

When it is desired to adjust one or more of the fingers relative to the other fingers in the same row, the set screw 16 (Figure 8) may be removed and the end 11 of the chuck 69 engaged by a wrench to rotate the chuck thereby rotating the finger into the desired position. At the same time, since the screw 16 is removed, the gear 15 is not turned to efiect a rotation of the worm shaft 79. After the individual adjustment of a finger 1| according to this method, the screw 16 is reinserted and the adjusted finger M will then be rotated with a rotation of its worm gear 19. This construction thereby permits an adjusting of the fingers individually and together as units of adjacent rows. This arrangement efiiciently serves to prevent grain formation of fibers in the sheets being formed since it can be readily adjusted for all types of stock flowing through the pond P and for all speeds of the machine.

Stock from the feed box |8 flows through the pond P wherein the fibers are maintained in hodge-podge relation by the directing fingers 1| so that they are deposited on the forming band II to form a well matted sheet with the fibers laying in all directions. The excess stock flows around the V-shaped plate 4| over the horizontal leg 42 thereof and through openings 82 (Figures 4 and 11) located on each side of the machine. The openings 82 are cut through the side frame plates 33 of the machine. The vertical leg 43 of the plate 4| directs the stock through the openings 82. Conduits 83 communicate with the openings 82 and direct the excess stock into the return pipe |9 (Figure 2).

As best shown in Figures 11 and 12, the conduits 83 are provided at a point over the return pipe I9 with an inturned annular flange 84. A cylinder is slidably mounted in the opening formed by the flange 84. A supporting bar 88 extends across the top of each conduit 83 and a threaded rod 81 extends through the support 86. The rod 87 is provided with a hand wheel 88 on the top end thereof. A bracket 89 is secured across the interior of the cylinder 85 and receives the threaded end of the rod 81 therethrough. A nut 98 is threaded onto the rod 81 beneath the bracket 89 so that when the rod is rotated the cylinder is raised and lowered in the annular opening defined by the flange 84. The stock flowing through the conduit 83 must flow over the top of the cylinder 85 therein to be directed therethrough into the return pipe I9. The cylin-.

ders, however, can be raised and lowered to vary the level of the stock in the conduit 83, thereby effecting a positive control of the stock maintained in the conduit 83 and on the: top of the suction roll I8.

The return pipes I9 may be connected with a mixing box to direct the overflow stock therein for admixture with fresh stock. This admixture can be fed back to the feed box I8 through the pipes IT.

The side plates 33 of the frame structure of the machine have portions 9! extending over the suction roll I8. (Fig. 4.) Each portion 9I carries a plate 92 hooked over the top thereof as at 92a, best shown in Figure 5. One side of the plate 92 has an inturned flange 92b for a purpose to be hereinafter described. Each plate 92 is provided with a pair of elongated slots 93 for receiving bolts 94 therethrough. The bolts 94 are secured in the portions 9i of the plates 33.

The plates 92 also carry bosses 95 which have bolts 98 threaded therethrough. The portions 9| of the plates 33 have secured thereon saddles 91 for receiving the ends of the bolts 99 therethrough. A loosening of the bolts 94 and a rotation of the bolts 96 effects a horizontal sliding of the plates 92 along the portions 9| of the frame. The portion 92a of each plate 92 maintains the plate on the portion 9i.

A slice plate 98 having a horizontal flange portion 99 at right angles thereto abuts the portions 92b of the plates 92 and extends across the entire width between the portions 9! of the frame plates 33. As best shown in Figure 5, a rod I88 extends through the flange 99 of the plate 98 and contacts at its end the portion 92a of the plate 92. A hand wheel I8I is provided at the other end of the rod I88 for manual rotation of the rod. A boss I82 provided with a handle for manual gripping is threaded onto the rod and disposed over the flange 99 of the plate 98. Since the rod I88 is threaded through the flange 99 it follows that the plate 98 may be raised and lowered relative to the side frames to effect a proper spacing of the bottom of the plate from the forming band II, by a loosening of the boss H22 away from the flange 99 of the plate 98 and a rotation of the rod I88 to either raise or lower the plate 98 from the portion 92a of the plate 92. When it is desired to lock the plate 98 in position, the boss I82 is clamped down against theflange 98'. This arrangement is identical with the arrangement of the rod 54 and the handles 55 and 55a thereof for regulating the position of the channel member 48 relative to the angle plate 58. The flanges 92b of the plate 92 serve as supports for the plate 98. Since the stock flows against the plate 98, the plate will be forced outwardly against the flanges 92b, thereby preventing a leaking of the stock.

As shown in Figure 5, the plate 98 has a plurality of brackets I83 secured near the bottom thereof. Rods I84 extend through the brackets I83 and carry at their ends a flexible slice'strip I85 which extends below the bottom of the slice plate 98. The other ends of the rods I84 are freely rotatable in chucks I86 which are externally threaded into the flange 99 of the slice plate 98. Handles I81 are provided for rotating the chucks I86 to raise and lower the same relative to the flange 99, thereby raising and lowering the rods I84 to adjust the strip I85 into the desired spacing from the forming band II. Since the rods are freely rotatable within the chucks, they are not rotated with the chucks, and as shown in Figure 4, the strip I85 is secured in notches in the ends of the rods I84, thereby holding the same against rotation with the chucks. This arrangement provides for a micrometer adjustment of the spacing of the strip I85 from the forming band II. Since the strip I85 is flexible, preferably being formed of a flexible material, such as a rubber composition or a flexible metal strip, the spacing can be varied as desired along the-length of the strip I85. The rods I88 serve to space the slice plate 98 relative to the forming band, while the rods I84 move the slice strip I85 relative to the slice plate 98, thereby providing an added micrometer adjustment for the slice.

The slice is, as described above, therefore adjustable both in a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the forming band II.

As shown in Figure 5, the portions 9I of the plates 33 abut the forming band II and act as end dams for the pond of stock flowing into the opening 82, The slice plate 98 acts as a front wall for this pond, while, as pointed out above, the vertical leg 43 of the V-shaped strip 4I serves as the other side wall.

As pointed out in Figure 1, the suction roll is rotatable around a suction head mandrel which is secured at its ends in the end supports I5; 'As shown in Figure 5, the suction mandrel I88 is bolted by bolts I89 into the annular recess defined by the flanges I5a of the end supports I5.

The mandrel I 88 is provided with three rows of openings II8, I I I, and I I2 disposed along one side thereof toward the stock pond P, as shown in Figure 4. Partition walls H3 and H4 are provided in the mandrel to define three separate chambers H5, H6 and II! therein, each communicating with a separate row of openings I I8, II I and I I2. The end supports I5 for the mandrel I88 are likewise provided with partitions H8 and II9 (Figure 4) to define three separate passageways I28, I2I and I22, respectively, communicating with the passageways H1, H6 and II 5, respectively. The passageways I28, I2I and I22 of each end support I5 are connected with pipes I23, I24 and I25, respectively, for receiving the white water drained into thepassageways. This white water may be used for diluting the stock in a mixing box for feeding back to the feed box I8.

Each passageway I28, I2I and I22 is provided with a bafile I28, I21 and I28, respectively, which as shown at I21 in Figure 5, extends above the normal flow of water from the mandrel I88 and is in spaced relation from the supports I5. The suction pipes 28, 2| and 22 open into the passageways I28, I2I, and I22 behind the baffies in these passageways, as shown in Figure 5. The white water therefore flows through the passageways into the pipes I23, I24 and I25, while air is sucked through the openings II8, III and H2 in the mandrel and flows behind the baffles into the suction pipes 20, 2| and 22. By this arrangement, a very high vacuum can be obtained and the degree of vacuum can be separately regulated in each of the three passageways in the supports and mandrel. The drain pipes I23, I24 and I25 may also be connected with pumps to effect a forced draining of the white water from the mandrel.

The perforated suction roll I0 is bolted at one end thereof, as shown in Figure 5, to a large gear I29 having a chime ring portion I30 integral therewith for spacing the roll I0 from the mandrel I08. The roll I0 sets over the ring I30 while the mandrel fits within the ring I30. A bearing sleeve I3I is secured around the mandrel I08 by means of pins I32, as shown in Figure 5. A bronze bearing ring I33 is tightly fitted around the sleeve I3I. The ring I33 has an outturned flange at one end thereof as shown. An end thrust ring I34 is secured around the mandrel I 08 to abut the flange of the bearing ring I33. The chime ring I30 and the gear I29 thus slide over the bearing I33. The other end of the perforated roll I0 is mounted in an identical manner on a chime ring I30, but only one gear I29 is used. The gear I29 engages with any suitable source of driving power and the cylinder I0 is therefore rotated around the mandrel I08.

On each side of each row of openings IIO, III and H2 in the mandrel I08, there are formed on the mandrel outturned flanges I35, I36, I31 and I38, as shown in Figure 4. The flanges I35 and I3! have bolted thereon angle members I39 and I40, respectively, which carry sealing strips I39a and I 40a, respectively, in their vertical legs for rubbing against the interior of the roll I0. The horizontal leg of the angle member I39 may beslotted as shown at I M in Figure 14 for receiving the bolts I42 therethrough. The member I39 can thus be slid along the slot IM to adjust the position of the strip I39a. This adjustment, however, can only be made when the mandrel I08 is removed from the perforated roll I0.

In the event it is desired to vary the suction areas along the roll I0 without removing the mandrel from the roll, the flanges I36 and I38 carry angle members I43 and I44, respectively, which are adjustable from outside of the roll I0, as will be hereinafter described. The angle members I43 and I44 have vertical legs carrying sealing strips I43a and I44a, respectively, which rub against the interior of the roll I0. The horizontal portions of the angle members I 43 and I 44 which are curved to fit on the flanges I36 and I38, respectively, are provided with slots I 45 and I46, respectively, best shown in Figures 14 and 15. Bolts I 41 and I48 extend through the slots I 45 and I46 and are threaded into the flanges I36 and I38 respectively. Coiled springs I49 and I50 are disposed around the bolts I41 and I 48, respectively, and held under compression between the heads of these bolts and washers I5I and I52 respectively, which washers are disposed around these bolts and fit over the horizontally curved portions of the angle members I43 and I44, respectively. The angle members I43 and I44 are thus held tightly against the flanges I 36 and I38, respectively, but are adapted to be slided along these flanges because of the spring retaining means.

The sealing strips I39a, I43-a, MM and I44a,

define three separate suction areas against the roll I0. The ends of these areas are sealed by annular sealing strips I53, best shown in Figure 5, carried by an annular member I54 which is bolted to the mandrel I08 by bolts I55 extending through an outturned flange I56 snugly fitted around the mandrel I08, as shown in Figure 4. It should be understood that a flange ring I56 is positioned near each end of the mandrel I08 and each ring I56 has bolted thereon an annular member I54 carrying a sealing ring I53 which rubs against the inside periphery of the roll I0 at each end thereof. The three separate suction areas are therefore sealed both at the sides and at the ends.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the mandrel I08 has formed thereon a pair of supports I 60 and I6I spaced from each other opposite the angle member I43, but outside of the end sealing ring I54. A similar pair of supports is formed opposite the angle member I4'4. As shown in Figure 17, the supports I60 and I6I extend through the horizontal leg of the sealing member I54 and receive therebetween a horizontal bolt I62 which is rotatably mounted at its ends in the supports. The bolt is provided with a head I63 adapted to be engaged by a wrench for rotation. The bolt I62 has a boss I 64 threaded thereon. The boss I64 carries a rod I 65 projecting through a slot I66 formed in the vertical portion of the sealing member I5. The rod I65 extends into a well I6! formed in the angle member I53 and is secured therein by means of a pin I 68.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the chime ring I30 is provided with an opening I69 which may be covered by a. cover plate I'I0. Removal of the cover plate I10 makes it possible to insert a wrench for engagement with the head I 63 of the bolt I62. Rotation of this bolt moves the boss I64 along the bolt to thereby slide the angle member I43 along the flange I 36. An identical apparatus is provided to move the angle member I44. In this manner, the suction areas defined by the sealing strips [43a and MM may be varied without removing the mandrel I 08 from the roll The devices for moving the angle member I43 and I44 can be mounted adjacent the chime ring I30 which is at an end of the roll I0 away from the gear I29, since more room is provided at this end of the roll I0. It is obvious, however, that the opening I69 shown in Figures: 16 and 17 could extend through the gear I29 as well as through the chime ring I30.

The above description illustrates the principles of this invention as applied to machines using an elongated traveling forming band which rotates around the suction cylinder. The principles of the invention are also adapted to cylinder type paper machines wherein the fibrous webs are formed on rotating cylinders and. removed therefrom by a pick-up felt. The following description shows the adaptation of the principles of this invention to cylinder type paper machines.

In Figure 18, the reference numerals I indicate generally foraminous cylinder molds having therein the same type of suction mandrel described above. These molds I80 rotate through forming ponds within the housings I 8|. The housings I8I are similar to the structure defined above, and the forming pond therein travels with the cylinder molds. A pick-up felt I82 is trained over the tops of the cylinder molds I80 and pressed thereagainst by couch rolls I83 for receiving the fibrous webs formed on the cylinder molds. The pick-up felt is trained around guide rolls I84, as shown. The fibrous web W is removed from the pick-up felt after it passes over the last cylinder mold I80 and deposited on a carrier I85 for further treatment.

As shown in Figure 19, the suction roll I80 rotates through the flowing pond P in the same manner in which the suction roll I rotates through the pond described in Figure 4. However, a screen forming wire I80a is integrally secured around the roll I80 instead of traveling therearound as the belt II described above. An arcuate plate I 86 is pivotally mounted in the same manner in which the arcuate plate 39 described in Figure 4 is mounted, and carries a plurality of fingers I81 in the same manner in which the fingers 1| are carried by the plate 39. Worm shafts I88 are rotatably mounted at their ends in plates I89 carried by the arcuate member I86 at right angles thereto at each end of the arcuate plate. The arcuate plate I86 has formed integrally thereon a portion I90 bent back therefrom, as shown in Figure 19. This portion I90 also carries a leg portion I9I therebeneath. The end of the leg portion I9I is disposed over a trough I92 which extends across the entire width of the machine between the frame plates I8I, and is supported by the frame plates. The pond P then thereby flows over the portion I90 of the plate 186, over the leg I9I and into the trough I92. It is drained from the trough I92 by drain conduits, such as I93 located on both sides of the machine outside of the frame plates I8I.

An arm I94 is pivotally mounted on each side of the machine outside of the frame plates I8I at points in alignment with the point at which the arcuate plate I86 is pivoted. These arms are therefore mounted in the same manner in which the arms are mounted, as shown in Figures 4 and 6. The arms I94 each have a flat horizontal top portion I95, best shown in Figure 20. The portions I95 of the arms carry brackets I96 and have plates I9'I slidably mounted thereon. The plates I9! are integrally connected with a top plate I98 which extends across the entire top of the apparatus, being carried at each end by the plates I97.

Each plate I91 has a raised housing I99 formed on the top thereof having a threaded well therein for receiving a bolt 200. The bolt 200 is rotatably mounted within the bracket I96, and a rotation of this bolt by a handle 20! secured thereon slides the plate I91 to thereby move the depending top plate I98. The top plate I98 carries a flexible slice strip 202 at one end thereof which extends across the periphery of the cylinder I80 in adjustable spaced relation therefrom. The end of the slice strip 202 carries a plurality of vertical brackets 203, in which are pivoted a plurality of rods 204. The top plate I98 also,carries a plurality of brackets 205 in. horizontal alignment with the brackets 203 so that-the rods 204 can extend therethrough. The rods 2041 are also pivoted in the brackets 205.

The ends of the rods 204 are yoked, as at 206. Bolts 201 extend through the yoked portions 206 of the rods and are urged at their ends against the top plate I98. Nuts 208 are threaded around the bolts 20'! between the bifurcated fingers of the yoked portion 206. A manual setting of the bolts 20? by the nuts 208 thereby efiects a vertical adjustment of the slice strip 202. Since this strip is of a flexible nature the adjustments can be varied across the length of the strip by a manual setting of the different rods 204. This arrangement provides a micrometer adjustment along the entire length of the strip to accurately space the same a desired distance from the cylinder I80. Rough adjustments can be made by sliding the plates I9'I on the arms I94 to move the top plate I98 toward and away from the cylinder I80.

The top plate I98 has a vertically extending flange 209 formed at the back end thereof through which bolts, such as 2I0, extend. An L-shaped member 2 extending across the full length of the plate I98 is carried by the plate I98 adjacent to the flange 209 thereof by means of bolts, such as 2 I2, which extend through slots, such as 2 I3, formed in the tpp plate.

The ends of the bolts 2I0 are threaded into the angle member 2II, and when the bolts 2I2 are loosened, the angle member may be slided along the plate I98 ,by-a rotation of the bolts 2I0 to thereby varythe gap between the vertical leg of the angle member and the end of the plate portion I90. This arrangement provides an adjlusztable weir for the flow of stock into the trough The side flange plates I8I are provided with elongated slots 2I4 for receiving lugs 2I5 carried by the arms I94. The lugs 2I5 extend through the plates I89 so that when the arms I94 are moved, the arcuate plate I 86 and its appended mechanisms are moved with the arms.

Mechanism for moving the arms comprises a rod 2I6 pivotally mounted at one end, as at 2| 1, to each arm I94 outside of the frame plates I8I. Each rod 2I6 is secured at the other end in a curved member 2I8 which is pivoted at 2I9 to a lever arm 220. The lever arm 220 in turn is pivoted at its end in a bracket 22I carried by the frame structure of the machine. When the lever arm 220 is rotated manually about its pivot point the member 2I8 moves the rod 2I6 back to thereby rotate the arms I94 about their pivot points. The arcuate plate I86 and the top plate I 98, together with their appended mechanisms, are all moved with the arms I94. This permits an opening of the machine for inspection and for cleaning. A stop pin 222 may extend from the side plates I8I for preventing the lever arm 220 from dropping below a desired point. Thus, a rotation of the lever arm 220 against the stop pin 222 moves all of the structure carried by the lever arm into operative position adjacent the cylinder I80.

As shown in Figure 20, the cylinder I80 extends beyond the side frame plates I8I and has a gear 223 secured therearound for driving the cylinder.

The suction mandrel structure of the cylinder roll I80 is identical with the structure defined in Figures 4 and 5.

From the above description, it should be understood that the invention comprises wet ends for paper machines of either the cylinder type or the type using Fourdrinier forming wires. In the operation of these machines, an aqueous suspension of stock flows from a feed box upward through a forming pond, one side of which is defined by the suction roll which may either carry a forming surface or may have the forming surface integral therewith. The suction roll has three separately controlled suction areas. Upon entering the forming pond, the stock is subjected to a low degree of suction from the first suction area to effect initial formation of fibers on the forming surface. The fibers thus deposited on the forming wires then are subjected to the action of a higher degree of suction from the next suction area. At this point additional fibers are also deposited on the initial fiber formation to complete the formation of the sheet. As the formed sheet then travels along the forming surface, it is subjected to a third suction treatment wherein the fibers are sucked onto the forming wire into sheet form. Very little additional deposition of fibers occurs in the third suction area, but the fibers deposited from the two preceding suction areas are set into their final position in the fibrous mat.

The forming surface with the matted fibers thereon then passes under a slice which acts as a dam to prevent flow of stock over the top of the forming surface along its top run. Suction may be applied through the forming surface beyond the slice for draining water from any stock which passes beyond the slice. The excess stock from the forming pond flows upwardly behind the slice and is drained back into a mixing box where it may be admixed with fresh stock for feeding back to the feed box of the machine.

The apparatus provides for the moving of the forming pond together with the forming surface so that no relative movement occurs between the forming surface and the fibers in the forming pond as the fibers are being deposited on the forming surface. The flowing of the stock upwardly, rather than the usual downward flow, provides for a more positive control of the flow in the forming pond and produces a quiescent flow which could not be obtained through a gravity downward flow. The fibers are thus traveling in the same direction as the forming surface and travel at a controlled speed, preferably the same speed as the forming surface. Means are provided in the forming pond, however, for maintaining the fibers in a hodge-podge relationship to prevent a grain formation in the fibrous sheet being produced.

All parts of the machine are capable of being accurately adjusted to obtain optimum operating conditions.

I am aware that many changes may be made and numerous details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and I, therefore, do not purpose limiting the patent granted hereon otherwise than is necessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1, A wet end for paper machines comprising a suction roll rotatably mounted in a frame structure, a forming wire around said roll, a feed box adjacent the bottom of said suction roll, an arcuate plate extending around a portion of said suction roll and pivotally mounted on said feed box, means for variably spacing said plate from said suction roll, a plurality of rods extending thr u said plate toward the forming wire, enlarged fingers on the ends of said rods extending transversely therefrom, means for rotating'said rods about their own axis to position the fingers, means for flowing stock from said feed box through the space between said plate and said suction roll for deposition of fibers on the forming wire around said roll, a slice in spaced relation from the end of said arcuate platefmeans for adjustably spacing said slice from said forming wire, means for maintaining a head of stock above said plate, and means for removing excess stock from said head.

2. In a paper machine, a pair of side frame plates in spaced relation, a feed box formed between said plates at the bottom thereoffan arcuate member pivoted at one end above said feed box, a suction roll in spaced relation from said arcuate member, said suction roll, side plates and arcuate member together defining a passagewayfor paper stock from said feed box, said arcuate member having turned-back flanges on each side thereof abutting said side plates, worm shafts extending across the width of said arcuate member and rotatably mounted at their ends in said flanges, a plurality of rows of hoe-shaped fingers rotatably mounted in said arcuate member and extending into said passageway, worm gears operatively connected to said fingers for engagement with said worm shafts, and openings in said side plates adjacent the ends of said worm shafts to permit a rotation of the worm shafts for adjusting the position of said fingers in the passageway.

3. In a paper machine, a pair of side frame plates in spaced relation, a feed box formed between said plates at the bottom thereof, an ar cuate member pivoted above said feed box, a suction roll in spaced relation from said arcuate member, said suction roll, side plates and arcuate member together defining a passageway for stock from said feed box, a v-shaped member secured to the end of said arcuate member, rods pivoted at the end of said V-shaped member, a pair of arms pivotally mounted outside of said frame plates, a support for said rods slidably mounted on top of said arms, a slice extending across between said side plates at the top thereof, means for moving said slice horizontally relative to the end of said V-shaped member, means for moving said slice vertically in spaced relation above said suction roll, and means for moving said arms about their pivot points to rotate the arcuate member about its pivot point away from the suction roll.

4. In a paper machine, a pair of side frame plates, a feed box formed between said plates, an arcuate member pivoted above said feed box, a suction roll rotatably mounted in front of said arcuate member, said side plates, suction roll and arcuate member together forming a passageway for stock from said feed box, a V-shaped member secured to the end of said arcuate member, rods pivotally connected to the end of said V-shaped member, a pair of arms pivoted on the outside of said side plates, a member slidably mounted on the top of said arms for supporting said rods, openings formed through said side plates above said V-shaped member, drain conduits communieating with said openings, a slice extending between said frame plates in front of said V-shaped plate, means for moving said slice relative to said frame plates, and means for; regulating the flow of stock from said passageways behind said slice.

5. A wet end for paper making machines comprising a pair of spaced vertical plates, a feed box mounted between said plates, a slice slidably carried by the tops of said plates extending across the space between said plates, means for sliding said slice in a horizontal direction along said plates, means for raising and lowering said slice relative to said plates, arms carried on the sides of said plates having tracks formed in the ends thereof, members slidable in said tracks, a beam extending across the space between said plates secured at its ends to said members, an arcuate plate pivotally mounted on top of the feed box between the plates, means carried by said beam on top of the plates for moving said arcuate plate about its pivot and means for swinging said arms relative to said side plates for moving the members supported thereon in an open position for inspection.

6. A wet end for paper making machines comprising a pair of spaced vertical walls, an arcuate plate between said walls and pivotally mounted at its lower end, a perforate roll extending longitudinally in spaced relation in front of said arcuate plate, a forming wire disposed around the roll and defining with the plate an arcuate passageway for a pond of stock, a stock inlet for delivering a flow of stock upwardly into the bot- 10 tom of said passageway, arms pivoted to said walls, means carried by said arms engaging the free end of the arcuate plate and means for swinging said arms about their pivots to move the arcuate plate about its Divot.

7. In a paper making machine including a pair of spaced opposed vertical walls, an arcuate plate pivotally mounted at its lower end between said walls, arms pivotally mounted on the outsides of said walls, means carried by said arms supporting the free end of said arcuate plate and means for swinging said arms about their pivot points to adjust the position of said plate between 10 said walls. 7

EARL E. BERRY. 

